REMARKS
Shahana Hanif states her commitment to sheltering asylum seekers humanely
2:08:29
·
5 min
Council Member Shahana Hanif underscores her commitment to welcoming asylum seekers and addressing the housing crisis in her district despite opposition.
- Shows support for the inauguration of a 400-bed shelter for asylum seekers in her district.
- Anticipates challenges including legal opposition and public resistance to the new shelter while reaffirming commitment to asylum seekers.
- Criticizes the city's 30-60-day shelter policy as inhumane, highlighting testimonies of asylum seekers' unstable shelter experiences.
- Acknowledges the lack of adequate housing as a fundamental issue compounding the asylum crisis, urging swift investment in housing solutions.
- Expresses support for the Department of Social Services' move towards developing affordable housing to alleviate the crisis.
Shahana Hanif
2:08:29
First, I'd just like to start with some kindness.
2:08:34
I see Chris here, and we've been working very closely.
2:08:39
We are WELCOMING A NEW SHELTER IN MY DISTRICT, AND IT'S BEEN IN THE NEWS AS OF LATE WITH A LOT OF and actually since the end of last year, a lot of opposition coming in from our neighbors.
2:08:53
And I've been steadfast and firm in welcoming this new ALTER.
2:08:58
IT WILL HAVE 400 BEDS AND THE CORDINATION THAT WE'VE HAD WITH DSS HAS BEEN VERY CRITICAL AND ALONG SIDE my elected colleagues, the community board, community groups, and other leaders.
2:09:12
And while there's a lawsuit now and and other sort of tactics being utilized to to oppose the shelter.
2:09:22
We remain committed to to welcoming asylum seekers.
2:09:28
And so I I I shared this because I know that I have been one of the most critical voices of the administration's operations.
2:09:36
And That is a part of my responsibility while also recognizing the reality in which we live in.
2:09:44
And I'll be welcoming as many shelters as I need to in my district while pushing for better policies.
2:09:52
And now, Molly, your statement, I found very offensive.
2:09:58
I found it very offensive.
2:09:59
I think we can we can agree that the 30 60 day policy is a bad policy and and not and not defend it.
2:10:10
I think the the administration can just say that that we we have to do this.
2:10:21
And leave it at that.
2:10:29
I just wish that we could accept that we didn't have to defend inhumane.
2:10:36
Policies because, 1, you weren't here for when the 2 gentlemen who've only been here for less than 6 months, TOLD US THEIR STORIES THEY'VE BEEN IN ALREADY FOUR SHELTERS, THREE AND FOUR SHELTERS.
2:10:50
1 OF THEM IS NOT IN THE SHELTER RIGHT NOW.
2:10:54
One of them is still looking for a shelter.
2:10:56
He had been assigned to a shelter, and he had transportation issues couldn't find his way to the shelter when he arrived to that shelter.
2:11:03
He was he was told there's no more room for him and then referred somewhere else.
2:11:09
That shouldn't be the story of individuals who are arriving here in the span of 3 to 4 months.
2:11:19
I don't consider that success.
2:11:25
And we've seen over the course of the last several weeks We heard about the the storefront in Queens.
2:11:32
We heard about the makeshift bus.
2:11:35
We're hearing about overcrowded apartments.
2:11:37
We're hearing about cars and trucks.
2:11:41
We're seeing our sidewalks.
2:11:43
New Yorkers are witnessing what's happening.
Molly Wasow Park
2:11:48
So, Council member, let me start by thanking you for your leadership and your steadfast support.
2:11:53
It really means a lot.
2:11:55
To to have a strong partner as we work on shelter sitings.
2:11:58
So thank you.
2:12:00
I mean, I think what you're describing right now is over in a separate and apart or compounding the asylum situation that we're talking about is is really a reflection of the overwhelming short fall in New York City of Affordable Housing.
2:12:16
Right?
2:12:16
The Department of Housing Preservation Development came out with data a few weeks ago.
2:12:21
The vacancy rate overall for rental housing is 1.4%.
2:12:25
It's much lower for for more affordable apartments.
2:12:30
It's why the Department of Social Services is actually getting into the affordable housing development space.
2:12:35
Right?
2:12:36
We're using social service dollars to actually grow the of affordable housing.
2:12:41
We're working really closely with HPD to make sure that there are units for people who are experiencing homelessness and other low income households.
2:12:51
It's why we've taken the city perhaps and made it a state wide tool so that people are able to look at a broader supply of housing.
2:12:59
It's really also, I think, an argument for the administration city of yes policy that we have to be doing more development.
2:13:05
So, you know, I hear your concerns, but, you know, I think everything what that you're speaking to really gets back to the down to the fact that we need more places for people to live, and we look forward as administration to working with you.
Shahana Hanif
2:13:17
And I appreciate that.
2:13:18
Because that, what you just said was nowhere in either of these testimonies.
2:13:25
And the housing investment piece is what's what continues to be left out.
2:13:30
And so I'm I'm really glad that that came up in in this moment because that is exactly what the crisis, I think, exists in the city.
2:13:38
It's not an asylum secret crisis.
2:13:39
Housing crisis that it has existed, and that investment needs to speed up.
2:13:44
And I'm glad to hear that DSS has this component coming up, and I'm gonna I will support.
2:13:50
Excited by City of YES as well as we continue to explore all of the options.